Julie Cohen - Author

Touching, playful and wildly creative...

Absolutely beautiful...

Ian Ayris - Author

A fantastic imagination reinforced with beautiful imagery and imagism...

Ko Ko Thett - Poet

I'm Mariyam

a writer based in Yorkshire

Deaf poet, writer, care leaver, photographer and environmentalist I want to be the change I want to see in the world. A published author of poetry, short stories and coming soon my first novel The Tightrope Walker. I was proud to be selected to be one of the emerging writers by the Genesis Foundation and Jewish Literary Foundation 2023-2024.

As an author of heartfelt family dramas I weave intricate relationships with emotional journeys, delving into the hidden conflicts beneath seemingly ordinary lives, and revealing the extraordinary resilence of families

Mission Statement

As a workshop facilitator and writer, I aim to create engaging, informative, and inspiring content for my students and readers. I value authenticity, creativity, and diversity. I write to express myself, share my perspectives, and connect with others. My purpose is to make a positive impact through my words and share any profits with designated charities for each book.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

WORKSHOP LEADER

“taught and explained well, escpecially some tricky concepts”

Laura Winterlich

“my grandaughter went from I can't write to making poems and flash fiction”

Susan Caton

“Honestly it was such a delightful experience. As someone who has very little experience with writing I found it a lovely introduction. really welcoming and relaxed and I didn't feel at all intimidated or overwhelmed”

Lauren Cole

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

“Very friendly and engaged not only the children but the adults too - Amazing”

Shabana

“We felt very much welcomed and allowed us to relax and have a bit of time out. Much appreciated by us all”

Sarina and family

“We enjoyed the entire activity. The children really brought out their creative sides which was so much fun.”

Ibukun and family

Latest News

What are we working on the moment?

Glad you asked. While book 1 in the Bradford Badshaas series is undergoing editing, book 2 Salma's story is unfolding on the page.

The Elephant in the Womb is at crunch time as I try and figure out which of the short stories to keep in the final book, the Tightrope Walker is off to a professional editing team, looking for a childrens illustrator for the Growleys and the Coach screenplay is on its first draft! Phew! I feel exhausted just writing that!

January 2024

Writers Block

https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/writing-hub/sharing-stories-connecting-lives-digital-zine/

November 2023

'Bradford Bhajis on Brighton Beach 1985' published in 'Take Flight 2023'

https://flight-of-the-dragonfly.sumupstore.com/product/take-flight-2023

30th October 2023

' Last Supper 1993' shortlisted by Renard Press and Published in their Kinship anthology.

https://renardpress.com/books/kinship/

Bradford Cares Competition Winner: Amanda Nicholson

Amanda Nicholson is an author, poet, podcaster, and copywriter. She has written several books as Amanda Steel, including Ghost of Me.

Amanda’s poetry has been broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester. She Has a Creative Writing MA, and her articles have been published by Jericho Writers, Reader’s Digest UK, and Metro.

If you would like a PDF of Amanda's story please use Contact Us to join our newsletter and we will be happy to send it to you.

Bradford Cares Competition Runner Up Alan Coombe

Alan has lived in London for most of his life, working there first as a social worker, writing court reports promoting the wellbeing and safety of children, and then as a manager in children’s charities, producing policy papers to persuade civil servants and ministers of the same priorities.
He worked as a potter both in Chelsea, and in his native Cornwall, to where he returns in much of his poetry.

If you would like a PDF of Alan's story please use Contact Us to join our newsletter and we will...

Bradford Cares 3rd Place Peter Collins

Peter Collins is a former administrator at Aireborough Childrens' Services, Peter now focuses on his writing, specialising in short stories. He has had some twenty stories published in hard copy anthologies and many more published online. His writing often features a quirky sense of humour and an unexpected twist. He has won a number of prizes for his writing and in 2021 was awarded the HG Wells Fiction Prize. He lives in Leeds, England and when not writing is often out in the Yorkshire countrys...

8th/15th/22nd August 2023 Cartwright Hall, Bradford

We held successful writing workshops at Cartwright Hall Museum covering poetry and flash fiction in a myriad of forms.
With the littlies we made poetry sculptures.

27th July 2023 - Genesis Foundation Award

Chosen as one of ten writers for the Genesis Jewish Book Week Emerging Writers Programme.

https://genesisfoundation.org.uk/jewish-book-week/

6th July 2023 - Hirtute shortlisted

'Hirstute' a short monologue about Boris Johnsons hair being a celebrity hairdresser is shortlisted in the Pen to Print Awards in the category of - Monologue

23rd April 2023 The Gold Rush Shortlisted

'The Gold Rush' a satirical tale of panhandlers in the River Aire is shortlisted for the 3 minute story competition.

1st February 2023 When the Word Calls

Self Published by the authors, this is a collaborative anthology. Contributions include Short story 'The 8th story' poetry 'Mothers Milk' 'The Storytellers' 'Second Hand Shoes'

6th December 2022 'My Fathers Kitchen'

' My Fathers Kitchen' performed with the Common Wealth Theatre in Bradford and published in Mud, Water and Magic. Also included 'From Bradford' and 'Poetic License'

27 Feb 2023 Bradford Bhajis on Brighton Beach

Bradford Bhaji's on Brighton Beach published in online zine Flights Issue 8 about a seaside coachtrip trip from Bradford to Brighton.

22 May 2022 Lost sounds Published

'Lost Sounds', a poem about losing the ability to hear a kettle boiling is published by Dhalia Publishing in Present Tense: Waterfall

31 Jan 2022 'May 1985' Published

May 1985, A poem about the Bradford City Fire was longlisted and published in Into the Wilds, a writing anthology from Bradfords first South Asian Publisher Fox and Windmill.

Collaborate with us...

Do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss a possible project, learn more about our work or sign up for our newsletter

@karolia_creatives

Karolia Creatives

Mariyam Karolia - Author